Work Or Network? — Way Forward For 2025?
In one of my earlier articles, I talked about Competition or Collaboration: What is the future? Likewise, today’s corporate leaders ask a bit too much about how to maintain balance between working and networking at the same time. This primarily happens in the organisations where employees are expected to collaborate than compete and network more than mere work.
In today’s corporate environment, the debate between focusing on work and prioritizing networking is more relevant than ever. Both elements play pivotal roles in professional and personal success, but which should take precedence? In today’s workplaces, many companies do provide learning and networking opportunities to their high performing employees through nominating them for trainings, conferences and seminars. This is yet another opportunity for smart employees to learn to network.
In this article, we shall explore five strong pointers that weigh the importance of working and networking.
1. Why Work Comes First?
A strong argument for prioritizing work is that it builds expertise. Mastery of the craft is essential for career advancement and credibility. When we focus on our tasks, meet deadlines, and exceed expectations, we establish ourselves as reliable and skilled professionals. This foundation of expertise becomes our calling card, making our work speak for itself.
Without a track record of tangible achievements, even the best networking efforts can fall flat. Connections might open doors, but those doors will quickly close if we don’t deliver. In essence, working hard lays the groundwork for a successful career and ensures us have something of value to showcase in networking conversations.
2. Networking Expands Opportunities
Networking is the lifeline of the modern corporate world. While working hard is essential, building connections can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible. A robust professional network increases our visibility and ensures we’re top of mind of the right people when opportunities arise, whether it’s a job opening, a project collaboration, or a mentorship.
Networking is also invaluable for career transitions. If we’re looking to switch industries, roles, or companies, knowing the right people can make all the difference. Referrals and recommendations carry significant weight in hiring decisions, often outweighing cold applications.
3. Work Showcases to Our Network
One of the strongest arguments for combining working and networking is that excellent work amplifies our networking efforts. When we perform well, word spreads within and beyond our organisation. Colleagues, managers, and clients become natural advocates who highlight our skillset and accomplishments.
Our work becomes a living portfolio, providing tangible evidence of our abilities. This makes it easier to network effectively, as we’re not just selling our services — our results also speak for us. For example, sharing the outcomes of successful projects on platforms like LinkedIn can attract industry leaders and peers, creating organic networking opportunities.
4. Networking Enhances Work
Networking isn’t just about finding new opportunities — it’s also about improving our existing performance levels as well. Engaging with a diverse network allows us to gain fresh perspectives, learn best practices, and stay updated on industry trends. This exchange of knowledge can directly enhance the quality of our work.
For instance, connecting with thought leaders or attending industry conferences can inspire innovative solutions to challenges we face in our respective roles. Networking also provides access to mentors and advisors who can guide our career development, ensuring we’re working smarter, not just harder.
5. Both Are Interconnected
In today’s interconnected corporate world, the lines between working and networking are increasingly blurred. For example, collaborative projects often require engaging with cross-functional teams, vendors, and external partners. These interactions multiply our networking opportunities in many ways, fostering relationships that can benefit our careers in the long term.
Similarly, networking often involves showcasing our work, whether through presentations, discussions, or otherwise. By excelling in our roles, we build a network of supporters who recognise our contributions. This way, working and networking are not mutually exclusive but rather mutually reinforcing.
In a Nutshell
Precisely, the question of whether to prioritise work or network doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Both are essential for a thriving career in today’s corporate world. Hard work builds the foundation of expertise and credibility, while networking expands our reach and creates new opportunities within and outside the organisation.
The most successful professionals of our times understand the symbiotic relationship between the two, using their work to enhance their networking efforts and their network to improve their work. Ultimately, the key lies in striking a balance that aligns with our career goals, industry demands, and personal aspirations. By excelling in our work and nurturing a strong network, we can create a dynamic and fulfilling professional journey that stands the test of time.
About the Author
Muhammad Sajwani is a C-Level HR, Transformation Leader, Board Advisor, Business Coach & Organisational Consultant and Managing Director, Evolve HR. He is an author, columnist and a contributor who besides writing for LinkedIn and Medium, also regularly writes for BizCatalyst 360 and has published around 500 articles. He brings along 30+ years of local & international experience. He is a change catalyst specialising in unleashing the human Dreamgenius through Leadership, Creativity and Change Management. Muhammad has been instrumental in helping organizations come to terms with organizational changes like right-sizing and business process re-engineering. His innovative approach & high personal competence encourages people to not only accept change, but also to excel in it. Muhammad has diverse experience in conducting strategic & management development programs, conferences & events for organisations across sectors. In recognition of his long outstanding services, Global HR Professionals — GHRP & Artificial Intelligence Community of Pakistan awarded him the “Lifetime Achievement Award” in the year 2024.
